Type action drive

ABSTRACT

An actuated type action is driven when a spring biassed drive bar is released and moves about a first axis along a first circular path. When the drive bar is again wound up by a motor and engaged clutch, it is first displaced by a control cam about a second axis to a position spaced a smaller radius from the first axis whereupon it moves along a second circular path having a smaller radius than the first path so that the drive bar does not interfere with another type action actuated in the meantime.

United States Patent lnventor Kurt Chvatlinsky Wllhelmshaven, Germany Appl. No. 849,632 Filed Aug. 13, 1969 Patented July 13, 1971 Assignee Olympia Wei-lie AG Wilhelmshaven, Germany Priority Aug. 14, 1968 Germany P 17 86 074.1

TYPE ACTION DRIVE 11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

11.8. C1. 197/14, 197/17, 197/27 Int. Cl B41] 23/08, 1341 23/38, 341 7/02 Field of Search 197/27, 14, 17

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,825,440 3/1958 Bauder et al 197/17 2,973,078 2/1961 Templeton et al 197/17 3,151,722 10/1964 Salto 197/17 3,373,857 3/1968 La Pointe. 197/14 3,458,024 7/1969 Schaefer 197/14 Primary ExaminerRobert E. Pulfrey Assistant Examiner-Stephen C. Pellegrino Attorney-Michael S. Striker PATENTEDJULI 31911 3.592.312

sum 2 OF 4 INVENTOR lcu/LT C H lM-Tb/A/Sty BY ATTO RN EY PATENTED JULI 3 I9?! SHEET 3 0F 4 INVENTOR km: 2' CHVAMWSH PATENTED 1mm 8592.312 SHEET H BF 4 INVENTOR mum CHI/486mm ATTORNEY TYPE ACTION DRIVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Type action drives for electric typewriters and other business machines are known in which the type levers are driven by a spring-biassed type bar after the same has been wound up by a motor.

The German Pat. No. 286,858 discloses a type action drive in which the drive bar moves along the same circular path dur ing the actuating stroke, and during the return stroke. Con sequently, a second type action cannot be actuated while the drive bar performs the working stroke for operating a first actuated type action. A second type action, actuated by a key before the type bar has returned, would be returned by the type bar instead of being actuated. Therefore. the type actions cannot be operated in rapid succession, and high typing speeds are not possible.

The US. Pat. No. 3,151,722 discloses a type action drive in which, if two keys are operated in rapid succession, a part of the second type action assumes a preliminary position, and is lifted by the returning drive bar and properly engaged. The operation is noisy, and the mechanism complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one object of the invention to provide a type action drive of simple construction in which a reciprocating drive bar reliably operates type actions actuated in rapid succession.

Another object of the invention is to provide a type action drive which permits high-typing speeds.

Another object of the invention is to permit key actuation of a type action during the return stroke ofa drive bar.

Another object of the invention is to provide a type action drive in which a drive bar moves along different paths during its drive stroke and during its return stroke.

With these objects in view, the present invention provides an actuator means carrying a drive bar, and being mounted for turning movement about an axis on a support means which is mounted for angular movement about an other axis. The angular movement of the support means is limited by stops, and a control cam guides cam follower means connected with the actuator means, and is driven through an engaged clutch by a motor when the actuator means and drive bar are to be returned.

One embodiment of the invention comprises control means including a control cam means, and windup means for selectively driving and releasing the control cam means; support means mounted for angular movement about the first axis; actuator means including cam follower means and being mounted on the support means for angular movement about the second axis between an initial position and a displaced position; spring means biassing the actuator means so that the cam follower means engage the control cam means in the ini tial position and turn the same, when released, until the actua tor means is in the displaced position; drive means fixedly secured to the actuator means for angular movement with the same about the second axis and having a drive portion moving about the first axis along a first circular path having a first radius when the actuator means moves from the initial to the actuated position; and type action means including means located in the first circular path of the drive portion and being actuated by the same due to the action ofthe spring means.

The control cam means, when driven by the windup means, displace the cam follower means for turning the actuating means about the second axis to a position in which the drive portion is spaced a second radius, smaller than the first radius, from the first action. In this position, the actuator means, specifically a cam follower of the same, engages the support means for turning the same with the actuator means about the first axis so that the drive portion is retracted along a second circular path having the second radius without engaging the type action means.

Due to this arrangement, two type actions can be operated in rapid succession by the respective keys. While the type bar of the first type action is driven to the printing position, a second type action assumes a preliminary position, and when at the end of the working stroke the type bar is no longer driven and moves toward the printing area due to inertia, the actuating means is displaced on the support means so that the drive portion moves along a different circular path than during its driving motion. During the return movement, the drive portion moves under the respective part of the second key-actuated type action, and is actuated after the return movement of the drive portion has been ended. Due to the displacement of the drive portion with the actuator means, at the ends of the drive and return strokes, an overlapping of the operations of two type actions is made possible.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam fol lower means which connect the control cam means with the actuator means, include a first cam follower carried by the actuator means, and a force transmitting lever engaged by the first cam follower, and carrying a second cam follower cooperating with the control cam means. The engagement of the force transmitting lever by the first cam follower is caused by the action of the spring acting on the actuator means, and is necessary for a smooth operation.

Preferably, the drive means include a drive bar carrying the drive portion, and the drive bar is adjustably mounted on the actuating means so that the position of the drive portion in relation to the respective engaged part of the type actions can be adjusted in a simple manner.

The spring acting on the actuating means is arranged in such a manner that the actuating means with the drive bar and drive portion are biassed in one direction of rotation in the initial position, and in the opposite direction of rotation in the end position. Due to the change of the direction in which the force of the spring acts, a reliable shifting of the actuating means between its two end positions is obtained. However, the arrangement has the effect that, depending on the position of the parts during the return stroke, the shifting of the spring force effects too early shifting of the actuating means. In accordance with the invention, this occasionally occurring effect is eliminated by an arresting lever which arrests the support means while the actuator means is driven by the windup means and the spring is tensioned. A stationary stop engages the arresting member and detaches the same from the support means before the actuator means arrives in the initial position.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following'description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective schematic view illustrating a type action drive according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation illustrating the type action drive in an initial position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation illustrating the type action drive in another operational position at the end of a working stroke;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation illustrating the type action drive at the beginning of the return stroke;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation illustrating the type action drive during the return stroke toward the initial position; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the type action drive.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT the same to turn in counterclockwise direction. Only one type action and key lever is shown, and it will be understood that rows of type actions and key levers are provided. A control bar 74 is operated by portion 266 of levers 66, and is connected with clutch 62, to operate clutch 62 upon actuation of any type lever 65. When not operated clutch 62 is disengaged.

The abutment 166 on lever 66 of all type actions, cooperates with the edge 114 of a drive portion 14 secured to a drive bar 15.

Control cam 1 has four lobes 75 between which recesses 76 are located. A lever arm 8 is mounted on a stationary shaft 7 for angular movement, and has a cam follower roller 9 cooperating with control cam I. Lever arm 8 has a camming edge 6 cooperating with a cam follower roller mounted on a shaft 22 carried by an actuating means 2 to which drive bar is adjustably secured. Actuating means 2 has a lever portion 11 to which, in addition to shaft 22, a ring 12 is secured which is penetrated by an adjusting screw 13. The end portion 15a of drive bar 15 is located in ring 12, as also shown in FIG. 6, and can be turned and slightly axially displaced for adjusting the position of edge 114 of drive portion 14, whereupon drive bar 15 is secured by screw 13. The end portion 150 ofdrive bar 15 is located in a bearing bore of a support means 4 so that actuating means 2 is mounted on support means 4 for relative angular movement together with drive bar 15 and drive portion 14.

Support means 4 includes a lever portion 17 to whose end a shaft 19 is secured which is mounted in bearings, not shown, so that support means 4 can perform an angular movement about the axis of shaft 19, together with actuating means 2, irrespective of the angular position of the same in relation to lever 17 of support means 4. A stop portion 18 oflever 11 of actuating means 2, is covered by a resilient sleeve 30 consisting of a synthetic elastonier so that shaft 19 limits angular movement ofactuating means 2 about the axis ofjournal 15a.

A spring 3 is secured to lever II of actuating means 2, and also to a stationary frame point so that actuating means 2 is biassed by a spring 3 in the position of FIG. 2 to assume a position in which cam follower roller 5 abuts the camming edge 6 of lever arm 8 and turns the same to a position in which cam follower roller 9 engages cam lobe 75.

Members 22, 5, 8, and 9 constitute cam follower means connecting control cam l with actuating means 2, drive shaft 15 and drive portion 14.

In the initial position of FIG. 2, turning movement ofactuating means 2 has been stopped by engagement of cam follower roller 9 with cam lobe 75 so that edge 1141 of drive portion 14 is spaced from the abutments 166 of the type action levers 66. The other end position of the actuating means 2 is determined by the engagement between end portion 18 with shaft 19, as best seen in FIG. 3.

A fixed stop 21 consisting of an elastic material is mounted on a frame portion, not shown, and is engaged by a bent portion of lever 17 of support means 4 in the operational positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Shaft 22 of actuating means 2 carries not only cam follower roller 5. but also an arresting lever 23 which is connected by spring 24 with a transverse lug on lever 11 ofactuating means 2. Spring 24 urges arresting lever 23. and more particularly its end portion 27 with the elastic sleeve 29 into engagement with a stop 28 secured to the frame. not shown, of the machine, as shown in FIG. 2. When end portion 27, 29 does not engage stop 28, spring 24 urges arresting lever 23 into abutment with a transverse portion oflever 17 of support means 4.

OPERATION When a key, not shown, is depressed, its key lever 65 displaces lever 66 so that portion 165 displaces control bar '74 which effects release of clutch part 62 so that control cam 1 can be turned by 90 by the pressure exerted by cam follower roller 9. The force of spring 3 acts through actuating means 2 and cam follower means 5, 3, 9 on control cam 1 which is urged to turn in counterclockwise direction while cam follower roller 9 slides at first at the sloping cam track of lobe 75, and then drops into the deep recess 76.

During this movement of cam follower roller 9, lever arm 8 is displaced in clockwise direction to the position of FIG. 3, cam follower roller 9 follows edge 6 and engages edge portion 16a of lever 17 of support means 4, turning the same in counterclockwise direction until cam follower roller 9 is stopped at the lowest point of recess 76. Actuating means 2 stops when stop portion 18, 30 abuts shaft 19. The displacement of actuating means 2 has also caused displacement of drive bar 15 with drive portion 14 relative to lever 17 of support means 4. In the end position shown in FIG. 3, the edge 114 of drive portion 14 has moved along a circular path having the radius r,, and has engaged abutment 166 of the respective actuated type action and driven type bar 70 toward the writing surface. When actuating means 2 with drive means 15, 14, 114 are stopped in the position of FIG. 3 by shaft 19, type bar 70 continues its movement due to inertia until making an impact on the writing surface. The type action is then returned by the return spring 73 to its initial position, ready for the next actuation. The abutment of stop portion 18, 30 on shaft 19 takes place a short time after engagement of the innermost portion of recess 76 under the action of spring 3. Lever arm 8 is stopped by cam follower roller 9, and cam follower roller 5 acts on edge 16a to turn support 4 until stop portion 30 abuts shaft 19. In this position, arresting portion 25 of support means 4 abuts arresting lever 23 so that end portion 27, 29 is separated from the fixed stop 28, as shown in FIG. 3.

When lever arm 3 with cam follower 9 is in the deepest portion of recess 76, spring 3 still acts on actuating means 2, and turns the same to a position in which stop portion 18, 36 of lever 11 abuts shaft 19, as shown in FIG. 3. Cam follower roller 5 engages edge 16a of lever 17 and turns support means 4 until stop portion 26 of lever 17 of support means 4 abuts the elastic stop 21 in the position of FIG. 5. During the relative movement between actuating means 2 and support means 4, the drive bar 15 with drive portion 14 is displaced relative to the axis of shaft 19 since actuator means 2 and support means 4 turn relative to each other about the axis ofjournal portion 15a of drive bar 15.

Before the parts arrive in the position of FIG. 5, the intermediate position of FIG. 4 is assumed. In this position, cam follower roller 5 does not yet abut the edge 16 of lever 17 of support means 4, but is spaced from the same a distance 0, shown in FIG. 4. The shifting is facilitated since actuating means 2 is subjected to a turning moment in clockwise direction when cam follower roller 9 abuts the deepest portion of recess 76. In the meantime, control cam 1 is coupled by clutch 62 with the rotating drive shaft 61, and at the beginning of this turning movement, actuating means 2 is pressed into the final position so that cam follower roller 5 abuts edge 16, and actuating means 2 turns together with support means about the axis of shaft 19 toward the initial position shown in FIG. 2. During this turning movement under the action of the windup means 61, 62 acting on control earn 1, the drive edge 114 of drive portion 14 moves along a second circular path having a radius r which is smaller than the radius r 1 shown in FIG. 3. This is due to the fact that actuating means 2 has turned about journal 15a from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 5. Since drive means 15, 14, 144 is rigidly secured to lever 11 of actuating means 2, relative displacement between actuating means 2 and support means 4 cause a corresponding displacement ofthe drive edge 114.

In order to prevent during the return stroke a premature movement of actuating means 2 to the initial position of FIG. 2 by actuation of another key and type action, actuating means 2 is arrested. Arresting lever 23 engages with lug 25 the shoulder of arresting portion 26, so that actuating means 2 cannot be turned back in the position of FIG. 4. Actuating means 2 is held in the same position during the return stroke until stop portion 27, 29 of arresting lever 23 abuts the sta tionary stop 28 in the position of FIG. 2 in which lug 25 has moved away from arresting portion 26 of arresting lever 23.

When cam follower roller 5 is pressed at the beginning of the return movement of support means 4 from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 5 engaging edge 16, moving the distance a, arresting portion 26 moves away from lug 25 the same distance a, as shown in FIG. 5, but the engagement between parts 25 and 26 is quickly again obtained so that support means 4 remains arrested during the return stroke.

When stop portion 27, 29 of arresting lever 23 abuts stop 28 and is separated from lug 25, a turning moment acts on actuating means 2 in counterclockwise direction so that drive means l5, 14, 114 is quickly returned to the initial position.

Due to the position of spring 3, a turning moment is exerted on actuating means 2 in counterclockwise direction in the initial position of FIG. 2, while an equal turning moment is exerted in counterclockwise direction at the end of the working stroke in the position of FIG. 3. The force of spring 3 assures the turning of the actuating means 2 toward its end positions.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of type action drives differing from the types described above. I

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a type action drive in which a drive bar moves along different paths during the working and return strokes, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

What I claim as new and desire to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

1. Type action drive comprising, in combination, control means including control cam means, and windup means for selectively driving and releasing said control cam means; support means mounted for angular movement about a first axis; actuator means including cam follower means and being mounted on said support means for angular movement about a second axis between an initial position and a displaced position; spring means biassing said actuator means so that said cam follower means engage said control cam means in said initial position and turn the same, when said control cam means is released, until said actuator means is in displaced position; drive means fixedly secured to said actuator means for angular movement with the same about said second axis and having a drive portion moving about said first axis along a first circular path having a first radius when said actuator means moves from said initial position to said displaced position; and type action means including means located in said first circular path of said drive portion and being displaced by the same due to the action of said spring means; said control cam means, when driven by said windup means, displacing said cam follower means for turning said actuator means about said second axis to a position in which said drive portion is spaced a second radius, smaller than said first radius. from said first axis, and in which position said actuator means engage said support means for turning the same with said actuator means about said first axis so that said drive portion is retracted along a second circular path having said second radius without engaging said type action means.

2. Type action drive as claimed in claim I wherein said cam follower means include a first cam follower carried by said aetuator means, and a force transmitting lever engaged by said first cam follower, and carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means.

3. Type action drive as claimed in claim 2 wherein said lever arm has a cam edge; wherein said first and second cam followers are rollers; and wherein said first cam follower engages said cam edge and exerts a turning force on said lever arm due to the action of said spring means, and engages said support means when said windup means drive said control cam means.

4. Type action drive as claimed in claim 2 wherein said drive portion is substantially aligned. with said first cam follower; and wherein said drive means include a drive bar secured to said actuator means in the region of said second axis and carryin g said drive portion.

5. Type action drive as claimed in claim 1 wherein said drive means include a drive bar having said drive portion at one end, and adjustable attaching means for attaching the other end of said drive bar to said actuator means so that the position of said drive portion relative to said type action means can be adjusted.

6. Type action drive as claimed in claim 5 wherein said drive bar has a journal projecting from said other end and having said second axis; and wherein said support means has a bearing in which said journal is located so that said actuator means with said drive bar and said drive portion, and said support means are turnable relative to each other about said second axis. I

7, Type action drive as claimed in claim 5 wherein said adjustable attaching means include a ring fixedly secured to said actuator means and having a cylindrical bore, and adjusting screws penetrating said ring; and wherein said other end of said drive bar is cylindrical and mounted in said ring for turning and axial adjustment, and secured in an adjusted position by said adjusting screws.

8. Type action drive as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam follower means include a first cam follower carried by said actuator means, a force transmitting lever engated by said first cam follower carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means; wherein said support means has a camming edge engaged by said first cam follower during movement of said actuator means from said initial position to said displaced position; comprising resilient abutment means engaged by said support means when said actuating means is in said displaced position so that said support means is stopped in an end position.

9. Type lever action as claimed in claim Iwherein said cam I follower means include a first cam follower carried by said actuator means, and a force transmitting lever engaged by said first cam follower carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means; wherein said first cam follower abuts said lever arm when said second cam follower abuts said control cam means in said displaced position of said actuator means; comprising a shaft having said first axis and being secured to said support means; and wherein said actuator means has a stop portion-abutting said shaft in said displaced position.

10. Type lever action as claimed in claim 1 comprising arresting means including a shaft mounted on said actuator means; and a spring-biased arresting member mounted on said shaft for movement to an arresting position arresting said support means while said actuator means is driven by said windup means and said spring means is tensioned; and a stationary stop engaging said arresting member and detaching the same from said support means before said actuator means arrives in said initial position.

11. Type lever action as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spring means is secured at one end to a stationary means, and at the other end to said actuator means at a point which is disposed for exerting by said spring means on said actuator means in said initial position a turning moment toward said displaced position, and in said displaced position a turning moment toward said initial position. 

1. Type action drive comprising, in combination, control means including control cam meanS, and windup means for selectively driving and releasing said control cam means; support means mounted for angular movement about a first axis; actuator means including cam follower means and being mounted on said support means for angular movement about a second axis between an initial position and a displaced position; spring means biassing said actuator means so that said cam follower means engage said control cam means in said initial position and turn the same, when said control cam means is released, until said actuator means is in displaced position; drive means fixedly secured to said actuator means for angular movement with the same about said second axis and having a drive portion moving about said first axis along a first circular path having a first radius when said actuator means moves from said initial position to said displaced position; and type action means including means located in said first circular path of said drive portion and being displaced by the same due to the action of said spring means; said control cam means, when driven by said windup means, displacing said cam follower means for turning said actuator means about said second axis to a position in which said drive portion is spaced a second radius, smaller than said first radius, from said first axis, and in which position said actuator means engage said support means for turning the same with said actuator means about said first axis so that said drive portion is retracted along a second circular path having said second radius without engaging said type action means.
 2. Type action drive as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam follower means include a first cam follower carried by said actuator means, and a force transmitting lever engaged by said first cam follower, and carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means.
 3. Type action drive as claimed in claim 2 wherein said lever arm has a cam edge; wherein said first and second cam followers are rollers; and wherein said first cam follower engages said cam edge and exerts a turning force on said lever arm due to the action of said spring means, and engages said support means when said windup means drive said control cam means.
 4. Type action drive as claimed in claim 2 wherein said drive portion is substantially aligned with said first cam follower; and wherein said drive means include a drive bar secured to said actuator means in the region of said second axis and carrying said drive portion.
 5. Type action drive as claimed in claim 1 wherein said drive means include a drive bar having said drive portion at one end, and adjustable attaching means for attaching the other end of said drive bar to said actuator means so that the position of said drive portion relative to said type action means can be adjusted.
 6. Type action drive as claimed in claim 5 wherein said drive bar has a journal projecting from said other end and having said second axis; and wherein said support means has a bearing in which said journal is located so that said actuator means with said drive bar and said drive portion, and said support means are turnable relative to each other about said second axis.
 7. Type action drive as claimed in claim 5 wherein said adjustable attaching means include a ring fixedly secured to said actuator means and having a cylindrical bore, and adjusting screws penetrating said ring; and wherein said other end of said drive bar is cylindrical and mounted in said ring for turning and axial adjustment, and secured in an adjusted position by said adjusting screws.
 8. Type action drive as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam follower means include a first cam follower carried by said actuator means, a force transmitting lever engated by said first cam follower carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means; wherein said support means has a camming edge engaged by said first cam follower during movement of said actuator means from said initial position to said displaced positIon; comprising resilient abutment means engaged by said support means when said actuating means is in said displaced position so that said support means is stopped in an end position.
 9. Type lever action as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam follower means include a first cam follower carried by said actuator means, and a force transmitting lever engaged by said first cam follower carrying a second cam follower cooperating with said control cam means; wherein said first cam follower abuts said lever arm when said second cam follower abuts said control cam means in said displaced position of said actuator means; comprising a shaft having said first axis and being secured to said support means; and wherein said actuator means has a stop portion abutting said shaft in said displaced position.
 10. Type lever action as claimed in claim 1 comprising arresting means including a shaft mounted on said actuator means; and a spring-biased arresting member mounted on said shaft for movement to an arresting position arresting said support means while said actuator means is driven by said windup means and said spring means is tensioned; and a stationary stop engaging said arresting member and detaching the same from said support means before said actuator means arrives in said initial position.
 11. Type lever action as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spring means is secured at one end to a stationary means, and at the other end to said actuator means at a point which is disposed for exerting by said spring means on said actuator means in said initial position a turning moment toward said displaced position, and in said displaced position a turning moment toward said initial position. 